As the National Hockey League’s 2025-26 preseason looms on the horizon, the New York Rangers find themselves at a pivotal crossroads. Training camps are just weeks away, and the organization faces a classic dilemma: too many promising players, not enough roster spots. After a disappointing campaign last season, the Rangers are gearing up for an intense preseason stretch that could define the team’s identity for the year ahead. With six exhibition games scheduled between September 21 and October 4, the battle for the final spots—especially among the forwards—promises to be fierce and fascinating.
Perhaps no storyline is more compelling than that of Brennan Othmann. Drafted 16th overall in 2021, Othmann arrived with high expectations, but four years later, he’s still fighting to carve out a permanent place in the NHL. His journey hasn’t been without bright spots: in 94 AHL games, Othmann posted a respectable line of 33 goals, 36 assists, and 69 points. Yet, as the 2025 preseason approaches, the pressure has never been higher. The consensus inside and outside the organization is clear—this camp may be Othmann’s last real shot to prove he belongs on Broadway.
“Othmann’s inability to break through is partially bad luck, and also partially an inability to execute in the opportunities that have been provided to him,” notes one analyst. The numbers back it up. Last season, Othmann’s underlying metrics were solid: a 70.06 goals for percentage, 53.51 Corsi for percentage, and 51.69 expected goals for percentage over 214 minutes at even strength. Despite these promising analytics, his tangible production was limited—just two assists in 22 NHL games, averaging under 10 minutes of ice time per night. For a player once praised for his NHL-ready shot, 20 shots on goal from 49 attempts in those appearances simply isn’t aggressive enough.
The Rangers’ coaching staff, now led by Mike Sullivan, is watching closely. Sullivan’s arrival brings a new perspective, and perhaps a new opportunity for players on the bubble. But with the top-six forward group likely set, and the fourth line reserved for specialists, Othmann’s window appears to be the third line—or bust. If he doesn’t seize this chance, the Rangers may be forced to explore trade options before his prospect value diminishes further.
Complicating matters for Othmann is the emergence of Brett Berard. A fifth-round pick, Berard has quietly outperformed expectations, both in Hartford and during his 35-game NHL stint last season. Berard’s tenacity, defensive responsibility, and knack for generating offense (6 goals, 4 assists, and an impressive 59 shots on goal from 108 attempts) have made him a legitimate contender for a bottom-six role. Standing at just 5’9” and 175 pounds, Berard’s relentless motor has caught the eye of the front office and fans alike. As the preseason unfolds, the direct competition between Othmann and Berard for a coveted roster spot will be one of the most closely watched battles in camp.
Of course, the Rangers’ roster questions extend beyond Othmann and Berard. The preseason will also showcase a new wave of prospects eager to make their mark. Gabe Perreault, the organization’s 2023 first-round pick, is perhaps the brightest of the bunch. After a standout sophomore season at Boston College, Perreault signed his entry-level contract and even made his NHL debut late last year. His high-end vision and offensive instincts have made him a fan favorite, and a strong camp could push him into the top-six conversation sooner than anyone expected. “He’ll get every chance to prove he’s NHL-ready,” one observer remarked, underscoring the opportunity Perreault has to leapfrog more established players.
Adam Sýkora, a 2022 second-round selection, faces his own moment of truth. Now entering his fourth year in the organization, Sýkora’s high-energy, defensively sound game has always been his calling card. But the clock is ticking. If he doesn’t show he can handle a bottom-six role and contribute on the penalty kill this fall, his long-term future in New York could be in jeopardy. The preseason will be a proving ground for Sýkora, who must demonstrate he can be trusted in meaningful situations.
Adding to the intrigue is the presence of Dylan Roobroeck, a towering 6’7” center with soft hands and a developing two-way game. While Roobroeck remains a longshot to crack the NHL lineup this season, his progress will be closely monitored. The same goes for goaltender Dylan Garand, who, while not competing for an NHL job just yet thanks to the presence of Jonathan Quick behind Igor Shesterkin, could use a strong preseason to boost his trade value or prepare for a future role as Shesterkin’s backup.
The schedule itself offers a gauntlet of challenges and opportunities. The Rangers open their preseason slate on September 21 with a road tilt against the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center—a matchup that could feature a familiar face in Kevin Rooney. The former Rangers center, now 32, has signed a professional tryout with the Devils and will be looking to earn a contract during camp. Rooney started his career with New Jersey, then joined the Rangers in 2020, where he set career highs and played a crucial role in their 2022 playoff run. After three seasons with the Calgary Flames, Rooney’s return to the Metropolitan Division adds an extra layer of drama to the preseason opener.
Following the Devils game, the Rangers return to Madison Square Garden to host the Boston Bruins on September 23. They’ll then welcome the New York Islanders on September 25 before heading across town for a rematch at UBS Arena on September 29. The preseason wraps up with two more games: a home contest against the Devils on October 2 and a final road trip to Boston on October 4. These six games will serve as auditions—not just for the prospects, but for veterans trying to secure their roles and for fringe players hoping to catch the coaching staff’s eye.
For the Rangers, the stakes are clear. After last season’s letdown, expectations remain sky-high. The front office and coaching staff are determined to get back to the playoffs, and the preseason will go a long way in shaping the roster that will attempt to do just that. Veterans will get their reps, but the spotlight will be on the youngsters—Perreault, Othmann, Berard, Sýkora, Roobroeck, and Garand—each with something to prove and everything to gain.
As the puck drops on the 2025-26 preseason, the sense of urgency is palpable. For Brennan Othmann, the coming weeks may define not just his place with the Rangers, but his NHL future. For the team, these six games are more than just warm-ups—they’re a test of depth, development, and determination. With so much on the line, fans can expect a preseason packed with storylines, surprises, and the kind of drama that only hockey can deliver. The countdown to opening night has never felt more consequential.
